Try GOLD - Free
Repackaging occupation, denying freedom
Cape Argus
|October 07, 2025
SINCE October 2023, Israel’s assault on Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 66 055 Palestinians, leaving entire neighbourhoods in rubble and families erased from the civil registry. Amid this ongoing humanitarian catastrophe, US President Donald Trump has unveiled a 21-point plan that he claims will end the bloodshed. Yet a closer look reveals that the plan envisions Gaza's future shaped not by Palestinians, but by foreign powers with long histories of enabling Israel's occupation and undermining Palestinian rights.
DISPLACED Palestinians evacuating southbound from Gaza City. Trump's Gaza plan, framed as a pathway to stability, is instead a blueprint for ongoing control - a new chapter in the history of Gaza's subjugation, says the writer.
(AFP)
At the heart of the proposal is a blueprint drawn from former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose record in the Middle East has consistently favoured Western and Israeli interests over Palestinian freedom. The plan calls for the removal of Hamas and the deployment of a “temporary international stabilisation force” led by the US and regional allies. In theory, this force would oversee security and governance in Gaza. In practice, it strips Palestinians of any real control over their own territory, replacing local agency with external supervision.
According to The Times of Israel, the plan promises that “no one will be forced to leave Gaza” and that those who do leave will be permitted to return. Palestinians would supposedly be “encouraged” to remain and given the chance to build a “better future.” But these assurances ring hollow in light of Trump's own statements earlier this year. In February 2025, he openly called for the US to “take over” and “own” Gaza, suggesting that Palestinians could be displaced to allow for large-scale redevelopment.
This story is from the October 07, 2025 edition of Cape Argus.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Cape Argus
Cape Argus
Analysing Bok No 4 options before Eben's return
THE Springboks' chief enforcer, Eben Etzebeth, has been enjoying a prolonged summer holiday after copping a 12-week ban for an eye-gouging incident during the November Test against Wales.
2 mins
February 19, 2026
Cape Argus
A reckless land grab that threatens the last threads of peace
THE Israeli government's decision to register vast areas of the occupied West Bank as “state property” for the first time since 1967 marks a dangerous and deeply provocative turning point in an already volatile conflict.
1 mins
February 19, 2026
Cape Argus
Proteas face their 'Bad Boys' moment in Super 8
“I THINK the World Cup really starts now.”
2 mins
February 19, 2026
Cape Argus
Shooting prompts call for SANDF deployment
TRIPLE MURDER
2 mins
February 19, 2026
Cape Argus
JP on Sharks culture: Durban is different, I love the flair
There is little JP Pietersen did not experience in his 197 matches for the Sharks, stretching from 2005 to 2020, and the euphoria and agony of the highs and lows have contributed to his coaching style.
2 mins
February 19, 2026
Cape Argus
Seven-month-old baby dies at SASSA office
A SEVEN-MONTH-OLD baby has tragically died after falling ill while accompanying his mother to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office in Bellville on Tuesday.
1 mins
February 19, 2026
Cape Argus
A journey through SA’s misunderstood town
WHEN Rian van Heerden stumbled across a video by Matthew and Joey Parry ~ popularly known as The Boys on YouTube - about the eccentricities of Brakpan, he felt like he was onto something.
3 mins
February 19, 2026
Cape Argus
Nomcebo ‘Dot’ Mthethwa firmly denies marriage to Khama Billiat
SOUTH African singer, TV presenter and actress Nomcebo “Dot” Mthethwa has broken her silence regarding circulating claims that she is married to former Kaizer Chiefs player, Khama Billiat.
1 mins
February 19, 2026
Cape Argus
Struggling farmers find hope in India co-op
KIRAN Ramnath Waghchaure beams as he plucks deep-red grapes from his vines in India’s Maharashtra state, one of thousands of farmers reaping the benefits of a cooperative bringing hope to a long-suffering sector.
2 mins
February 19, 2026
Cape Argus
Festival travel sees more diverse homebound trips
TWENTY-one years ago, Wei Shouyi, a migrant worker in Foshan, south Chinas Guangdong Province, endured an 18-hour battle against the elements as he joined a massive, wobbling armada of hundreds of thousands of workers making the long journey home for the Chinese New Year on motorbikes.
2 mins
February 19, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size
